Effectiveness of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Versus Placebo in Subjects at Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis: The PURPOSE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background And Hypotheses: In the past 2 decades, substantial effort has been put into research on therapeutic options for people at ultra-high risk (UHR) for developing a first episode of psychosis (FEP), focusing on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in preventing transition to psychosis. Despite an initial positive finding, subsequent studies failed to find a beneficial effect. The current study aimed to further investigate the effect of omega-3 PUFAs in UHR, to determine whether this line of research is worth pursuing.

Children with specific language impairment show difficulties in sensory modulation.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a group of 116 Dutch children with specific language impairment (SLI) shows differences in sensory processing when compared to a control group of age-matched 4-7-year-old typical peers. The Sensory Profile-NL-a standardized questionnaire of 125 items-was completed by caregivers of children in both groups. Children with SLI differed significantly from the control group on all 14 section scores and 4 quadrant scores of the Sensory Profile-NL.

Inflammatory gene haplotype-interaction networks involved in coronary collateral formation.

Objectives: Formation of collateral circulation is an endogenous response to atherosclerosis, and is a natural escape mechanism by re-routing blood. Inflammatory response- related genes underlie the formation of coronary collaterals. We explored the genetic basis of collateral formation in man postulating interaction networks between functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in these inflammatory gene candidates.

The complex of the insect LDL receptor homolog, lipophorin receptor, LpR, and its lipoprotein ligand does not dissociate under endosomal conditions.

The insect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) homolog, lipophorin receptor (LpR), mediates endocytic uptake of the single insect lipoprotein, high-density lipophorin (HDLp), which is structurally related to LDL. However, in contrast to the fate of LDL, which is endocytosed by LDLR, we previously demonstrated that after endocytosis, HDLp is sorted to the endocytic recycling compartment and recycled for re-secretion in a transferrin-like manner. This means that the integrity of the complex between HDLp and LpR is retained under endosomal conditions.

Lack of relationship between chronic upper abdominal symptoms and gastric function in functional dyspepsia.

To determine the relationship between gastric function and upper abdominal sensations we studied sixty FD patients (43 female). All patients underwent three gastric function tests: (13)C octanoic gastric emptying test, three-dimensional ultrasonography (proximal and distal gastric volume), and the nutrient drink test. Upper abdominal sensations experienced in daily life were scored using questionnaires.

Randomized controlled trials of antibiotic prophylaxis in severe acute pancreatitis: relationship between methodological quality and outcome.

Aim: To evaluate the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in severe acute pancreatitis in relation to outcome.

Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for RCTs that studied the effectiveness of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in severe acute pancreatitis. A meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model.

BRCA1/2 mutation testing in breast cancer patients: a prospective study of the long-term psychological impact of approach during adjuvant radiotherapy.

This study assessed psychological distress during the first year after diagnosis in breast cancer patients approached for genetic counseling at the start of adjuvant radiotherapy and identified those vulnerable to long-term high distress. Of the approached patients some chose to receive a DNA test result (n = 58), some were approached but did not fulfill criteria for referral (n = 118) and some declined counseling and/or testing (n = 44). The comparative group consisted of patients not eligible for genetic counseling (n = 182) and was therefore not approached.

Comparison of the Diskus inhaler and the Handihaler regarding preference and ease of use.

Many chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients use their inhaler ineffectively and there is a trend towards increased inhaler resistance. We wanted to answer two questions: Is there a difference in preference and ease of use between Diskus (DK) and Handihaler (HH)? How acceptable are inhalation resistances? Sixty COPD patients, naive to DK and HH, but experienced in the use of other inhalers, had to read the instruction leaflet and demonstrate their inhalation technique. If errors were made, instruction was given and inhalation technique was checked again.

Polymorphisms in human connexin40 gene promoter are associated with increased risk of hypertension in men.

Objective: Gap junctions, formed by connexins (Cx), are important in the regulation of vascular tone. Previously, we reported two closely linked polymorphisms (-44G --> A and +71A --> G) within regulatory regions of the gene for Cx40, a major connexin in the vascular wall and the kidney. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that these polymorphic variants are associated with hypertension and that they interact with blood pressure in healthy individuals.

A comparison of mean parotid gland dose with measures of parotid gland function after radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer: implications for future trials.

Purpose: To determine the most adequate parameter to measure the consequences of reducing the parotid gland dose.

Methods And Materials: One hundred eight patients treated with radiotherapy for various malignancies of the head and neck were prospectively evaluated using three methods. Parotid gland function was objectively determined by measuring stimulated parotid flow using Lashley cups and scintigraphy.

Long-term parotid gland function after radiotherapy.

Purpose: Irradiation of the parotid glands causes salivary dysfunction, resulting in reduced salivary flow. Recovery can be seen with time; however, long-term prospective data are lacking. The objective of this study was to analyze the long-term parotid gland function after irradiation for head-and-neck cancer.

Sequential tests for gene-environment interactions in matched case-control studies.

The sample size necessary to detect a significant gene x environment interaction in an observational study can be large. For reasons of cost-effectiveness and efficient use of available biological samples we investigated the properties of sequential designs in matched case-control studies to test for both non-hierarchical and hierarchical interactions. We derived the test statistics Z and V and their characteristics when applied in a two-sided triangular test.